Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Bolder Nitro Power Cable Cable by G man

Model:	Nitro Power Cable
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$125.00
Description:	Unshielded hand twisted Nitro wires
Manufacturer URL:	Bolder
Manufacturer URL:	Bolder

Review by G man ( A ) on April 16, 2004 at 19:19:41
IP Address: 69.160.91.116

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At least several months ago (I forget exactly) I ordered this cable in 4.5' length. This decision was based mostly on raves about this companies products on another internet forum. Initially, I swapped it with an LAT International AC-2 cable feeding my Aragon 8008BB amp. I will say that the differences were immediate and not subtle (amazing isn't it?), but not necessarily for the better.
After several weeks, there were some characteristics I preferred, like a richer, less electronic tone; but the bass seemed boomier and less defined. I switched the Nitro to my Krell KRC 3 preamp. The difference here was even more significant, with the overall presentation being smoother and possibly quieter, though how this could be with an unshielded cable is beyond me. After a few months, however, something was not right. Though not state of the art, I purchased everything in my system based on my own listening preferences during auditions against other products in the price class, including the Krell. I knew it should all sound better. I should not have to force myself to listen to music through it because I paid for the stuff. Out came the Nitro power cord, replaced by an MIT Z Cord II.
I am running a balanced set of Shunyata Aries interconnects between an Ayre CX 7 CD player and the preamp. At this point I was using a balanced set of Acoustic Zen WOW from the Krell to the Aragon. The speaker wire was a single run of Analysis Plus Oval 9 and matching jumper to each of two Mirage M3si speakers. Honestly, though nice by some standards, it basically sounded no better than a midfi home theater setup.
Well, I left the Aries in, but I swapped the WOWs and Oval Nines with an old sets of single-ended of MIT MI 330 Plus interconnects, and MH 750 Biwire. In the system as currently set up, this was actually an improvement as far as musicality and natural sound go. It was still a little electronic sounding though. A few weeks ago, I put the Bolder Nitro Power Cord back on the Aragon. I really do not know what happened, other than the other cable swaps already detailed; but the system is more detailed, natural, and musical than it has ever been. The bass and treble detail and extension is there, but without the electronic tinge previously experienced.
Used appropriately (?), I guess the Nitro is a very good and reasonably priced product that I am confident recommending to my friends, at least if I had any (heh heh).

Product Weakness: For some reason, it did not seem to work well for a long time, though I though Bolder uses an Audio Dharma cable cooker on everything before shipping.
Product Strengths: Rich, powerful and dynamic at a reasonable price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Aragon 8008BB
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Krell KRC-3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Arye CX-7 CD player
Speakers:	Mirage M3si
Cables/Interconnects:	Shunyata Aries, Acoustic Zen WOW, Analysis Plus Oval 12, MIT MI 330 Plus and 750 Biwire.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Corner Traps, carpet. furniture.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 to 6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Audio Prism ACFX and Power Fundation .5.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	For some reason, it did not seem to work well for a long time, though I though Bolder uses an Audio Dharma cable cooker on everything before shipping.
Product Strengths:	Rich, powerful and dynamic at a reasonable price.